Briefs: New public works contract

Elk Grove Village trustees Tuesday night backed a new four-year contract with the union representing its public works employees. Workers will get a 3.25 percent increase during each year of the agreement, which will cover employees through 2011. The raise is retroactive to May. Mayor Craig Johnson thanked employees for working in tandem with the village toward an equitable agreement. Johnson also praised the work of employees, who have helped keep the village's streets clear during the icy weather. Dave Wroble, a union member, said: "It's time to move forward."

Election judges needed

The Cook County Clerk's office is seeking election judges for the Feb. 5 primary who help make sure polling place operations run smoothly and the election is fair, honest and accurate. A total of 12,500 poll workers in 2,500 suburban Cook County precincts are needed. Election judges are paid and received up to $150 per election. In Palatine Township, Clerk Kevin O'Connell's office is working with County Clerk David Orr to make sure there are enough poll workers for the primary. Those interested in serving as a Democratic election judge in Palatine Township can call Sue McDonald at (847) 358-8936, and prospective Republican judges can call Linda Fleming at (847) 358-5025 or call the clerk's office at (847) 358-6700. For information about serving elsewhere in suburban Cook County, call the county clerk's office at (312) 603-0965 or visit its Web site, voterinfonet.com, and click on "election judges" under "programs."

Holiday meal event coming

Mount Prospect's Human Services Department will be conducting its Holiday Meal Basket program again this year. Bring nonperishable food items in by Friday and frozen turkeys or canned hams in by Dec. 20 to the Human Services Department, 50 S. Emerson St. The department needs the following items for its pantry: turkeys, canned hams, mashed potato mix, turkey gravy, canned fruit, nuts, olives, cereal and pasta sauce. In addition, the pantry is always in need of paper products, diapers, napkins and toilet paper. The pantry is unable to distribute opened, homemade or out-of-date food products of any kind. For more information, call (847) 870-5680.

MaineStay helps parents

If you ever feel it's like pulling teeth to get your kids to take out the trash or do other chores around the house or if they argue or talk or try to avoid consequences by manipulating, MaineStay's "Parenting with Love and Logic" may help. It provides ideas for getting your kids to shed more sweat around the house, tricks that can make you a black-belt in the art of out-arguing even the most challenging kid and practical ideas for raising responsible kids who feel great about themselves. The class at the Maine Township town hall building at 1700 Ballard Road in Park Ridge costs $40 for seven sessions beginning Jan. 15. Scholarships are available with proof of need. Call Amy at (847) 297-2510, ext. 274, to register.